Kukla's Korner Hockey

If anyone knows about trying to build on the lessons of the Detroit Red Wings, it’s San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan.

Once an assistant under head coach Mike Babcock, McLellan was snapped up after the Red Wings’ 2008 Stanley Cup victory and named head coach of the Sharks. Since that time, he has built San Jose into a puck possession machine and pushed them to a 217-100-47 record.

So when he was asked if his old Red Wings bunkmate and new Stars general manager Jim Nill could help spread the message of "The Detroit Way,’’ McLellan nodded in agreement.

"I think you’re starting to see some of that there, with faceoffs and puck possession. It’s pretty easy to spot in certain areas,’’ McLellan said. "But I also think that Jim will do `The Detroit Way’ with a flare. Jim recognizes that your identity is ever evolving. He’s open to doing things different.’’